Page 34 of Moonshot

Mick: That was the best game ever!

9:40 p.m.

Ava: Yeah. Goodnight (laughing emoji)

Michael York

9:47 p.m.

Mick: Goodnight, Elsa.

I lie in bed, replaying the prior evenings’ events. The game was good. Who doesn’t love a home team win? I had a great time getting to know Michael better, and it was cute seeing his excitement over teaching me the sport he loves so much. But the afterparty is the part I can’t stop thinking about.

Is sex always like that for him? He’s obviously a skilled lover who has a keen command of dirty talk. I giggle to myself. He at least seems open about his lifestyle. And I have to trust that he hasn’t been interested in anyone else since asking me out. I try to reassure myself this handsome man isn’t like the rest and lay my head down to sleep.

* * *

“Hey, working girl.” I greet Eve as she approaches the table at the Belleview café.

“Well, I don’t know if you’d call it working when you’re not getting paid. Just paying my dues until I can graduate, sit for my boards, and get my license like you. You been here long?”

“No. Just ordered two cups of coffee.”

“Rough night?”

“No. One’s for you, silly. Although, I admit I didn’t sleep well.”

“Oh no. Headache?”

“No. Potential heartache.”

“What? What do you mean? Is it over already?”

“No. I shouldn’t already be thinking negative. Just my bad track record talking. I had the best date ever Friday night, and the devil on my shoulder has been working overtime to convince me it’s only a matter of time before he bolts.”

“Oh, I get it, Av. I have the same trouble. Of course,I’mthe one that gets inmyway. I’m always finding some flaw, anything to dump and run before they do it to me. Tell me about your date. I haven’t had a good one in so long.” She sighs.

“Oh, Eve. It was incredible. He picked me up, and we drove to DC for a Washington Nationals game.”

“Wow. That’s different. I didn’t realize you were that into baseball.”

“I wasn’t. Until Mick. He was so cute. He got really animated trying to explain the rules of the game and teach me the lingo.”

“It sounds fun.”

A server approaches with our coffees, and we quickly place our order. We’ve come to this regular brunch spot so long we don’t even need to look at the menu.

“So, did anyone score besides the team?” she asks, waggling her brows.

“Maybe.” My instant blush giving away my answer.

“Holy shit, Av. Why didn’t you start with that? How was it? Is he everything you hoped?”

“And then some. I think that’s why I’m nervous about this. I’ve never wanted anything to work out so much in my life, E. He’s so hot. Between the wall of muscle, the panty-melting tats, the dirty talk, and well… let’s just say, I don’t think I’ll ever find someone that good in bed again. Like, ever.”

“Oh my god, Ava.” Eve squeals. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Yeah, me too. And he’s not just a one-night stand. He told me I was his only girl. That he hadn’t asked anyone else out since asking me for lunch that day. I know I’m getting ahead of myself, E, but I want this to work out so badly. I can’t explain how good it feels. And not just the sex. I’ve never been so happy.”

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